Jo HamCounselling and Psychotherapy in London and Hertfordshire

About Jo

Me, talk to a therapist? You must be joking!

To be honest, I never thought I would contact a psychotherapist - it just wasn’t the kind of thing I did. But a few years ago I found myself stuck with a tricky problem and so decided to go and see a brief therapist specialising in human givens. I’d heard about human givens therapy on BBC radio and recommended it to friends on several occasions; their positive feedback encouraged me to try it out for myself.

Practical and personalised

I was impressed with the practical, personalised and speedy support that I received. I felt lighter, much more positive and optimistic about the future. I also knew that I could make any changes more easily than I’d previously imagined. And so I decided to retrain so that I could offer similar support to others.

And I did – I left my career in international marketing after completing an MA-level Postgraduate Diploma in Human Givens Psychotherapy at Nottingham Trent University. I now enjoy working with a wide variety of people and helping them move on from a range of difficulties.

Supervision and training

I have since qualified as a human givens supervisor and offer training workshops and supervision to all sorts of people: therapists and beyond.

Here I am running a training workshop at Sarcoma UK's first ever national conference,The Big Conversation.

Friendly, accessible and human

I firmly believe that therapy should be a pleasant experience which leaves you feeling calmer, more positive and confident. So you will find that I take a friendly, accessible and non-judgmental approach in all our meetings.

Swift, sensible support

I won't waste your time just endlessly listening to you or trying to dredge up real or imagined miserable memories from the past: research shows that this can upset people more when they are feeling vulnerable.

Specialist trauma treatment

However, if a trauma or phobia is holding you back I can quickly and safely neutralise it so that you are able to move forward. I will help you identify which needs are not being met in your life and find new ways to meet these needs by activating your own natural abilities to solve problems.

Help for all ages

I work with people at all stages of life, from primary school children to people in retirement. I also work with couples. Each person brings a completely different set of circumstances which we work together to address.

Children and young people

I have a particular passion for working with young people and children, and work at Ignite Trust, a charity in Harrow that offers practical support to at-risk and vulnerable young people and young parents. I also work one-to-one with children in primary and secondary schools, including a Pupil Referral Unit, for children who have been excluded from mainstream school.

I have developed a successful Emotional Resilience in Schools Programme which is being rolled out in schools across North London. I also take referrals from local councils, Social Services and Children's Service and other agencies.

It is inspiring to help children and young people quickly find the strength to move on, build coping skills and stretch towards their full potential.

Emotional Resilience at work

I devise and run Emotional Resilience courses for people facing stress in the workplace. I am able to offer tailored group work and individual sessions as needed. I also take referrals from The Red Poppy, offering specialist workplace trauma and stress management.

I also provide support and training to staff and volunteers at Sarcoma UK. In March 2014 I ran two workshops at their national conference, The Big Conversation.

Courses for Parents

As an experienced course leader on the acclaimed Just What We Need programme for parents, I run regular twelve-week courses with groups of parents and anyone wishing to understand their own emotional needs and improve their relationships.

Military post-traumatic stress

I am an accredited therapist with the charity Resolution, which provides treatment to veterans to resolve the mental health problems associated with military trauma. These problems can obstruct a normal range of family and work relationships for veterans, and yet can often be resolved with the right kind of help.

Open to new developments

I am fully committed to continuing professional development and ongoing study. As a Registered Member of the Human Givens Institute and the International Center for Clinical Excellence, I keep up-to-date with the latest findings in neuroscience and mental health research. This means that I have a sound body of current knowledge, as well as the skills to help quickly with a wide spectrum of emotional and behavioural difficulties.

I also hold a Certificate in Workplace Coaching from The Open University.

Professional Memberships

Why not get in touch and see if my friendly approach feels right for you.

Thank you for being there when I so desperately needed someone.

Love W, Dec 2016

Hi Jo, just wanted to thank you for helping lots today

H, Dec 2016

I want to thank Jo for guiding me through a difficult time. Her holistic and practical approach has given me life-lasting coping techniques to enable me to deal with any future challenges. Most powerfully, with Jo's personalised recordings I can now sleep :)

H, Feb 2017

I just wanted to say thank you for all the work you have done for P. I keep pinching myself at the progress he has made in a relatively short time. I remember the times I have held him and pleaded with him to keep fighting, to not give in, not kill himself. Two months ago I genuinely thought I was going to lose that fight. I now feel really hopeful that those days have gone and will not come back. I think we were lucky to have you as his therapist. Thank you for everything, for giving P a chance at a happy life

L, Sept 2016

Woooooopie! It works.

LT - Phobia

Herts

It's fun and calmful with Jo

Primary school pupil - Trauma

London

You are worth your weight in gold, but the school budget won't quite run to that

Emma Billington, Headteacher

Earlsmead Primary School, Harrow

Top Qualities: Great Results, High Integrity, Creative

Wendy Amey - Managing Director

CBT Rehabilitation Ltd

In 1.5 hours you managed to do what 5 counsellors and 2 psychologists have been trying for 3 years to unravel... You got me through the worst time in my life

Mum - Domestic violence and trauma

Milton Keynes

I just wanted to say thank you very much for your time and the help you have given me, to remove some of the horrid things in my head. I really do appreciate it.

Mum - Domestic Violence

Milton Keynes

I think she must have slept properly last night for the first time in ages. Her confidence and inner happiness have certainly improved no end. I can't thank you enough.

Mum of 13-year-old - Anxiety

London

You have been fantastic for me - a life-saver, literally. I found it enormously helpful.

BI - severe stress, suicidal feelings

London

Thank you for all your support, the children love it. We are very lucky to have you working with us

Behavioural Support Manager, Primary School

Harrow

You have helped me mentally and made me confident. You've helped me with my family problems.

Boy, 11. Severe anxiety & Phobia

Herts

Jo is friendly and very easy to talk to. She can quickly help you feel better

PD - Stress

Welwyn Garden City

Thank you so much for your time, suggestions and effort with me. You’ve really helped me

MN - Depression & lack of confidence

London

The therapy has been a success - I'm in Turkey! Thank you so much.

FR - Fear of flying

Herts

THANK YOU SO MUCH. I drove 200km on the motorway this Friday by myself with three children in the back in the midst of articulated lorries and was fine. It feels great!

PP - Driving Phobia

Italy

Thanks a lot for your help, the two sessions have had a huge impact on me.

KE - Student, severe anxiety and panic attacks

Oct 2016

You gave us our lives back Jo. Saved his and freed mine. Thank you, thank you, thank you xxx